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Russia was able to defeat Napoleon by using a scorched earth method. As the French traveled deeper into Russia they were starting to feel the effects of diminished supplies of food and water allowing Russia to defeat them in their weakened state. The victory allowed for peace in Europe for 39 years. Russia's show of strength against the powerful French proved its dominance in Europe. -
When Tsar Alexander I of Russia died and his brother Constantine abdicated the throne his other brother Nicholas was crowned king. A Russian group called the Decembrists did not like this Tsar taking control. The Decembrists were Russian military officers and noblemen united against the monarchy. These soldiers did not swear allegiance to Nicholas I causing a riot in St. Petersburg Square. Many Decembrists died in this revolt, but it also inspired the Russian Revolution. -
The war began because Russia attempted to take control of Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Russia eventually lost to an alliance of France, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and Sardinia. This war caused many casualties within the Russian military. It also diminished Russia's dominance in Europe. -
Tsar Alexander II launches reforms that grant freedom to the serfs. Workers are no longer tied to landowners and production can move from farms to factories. These reforms allow Russia to begin its Industrial Revolution and advance in line with the rest of Europe. -
Due to the Crimean War Russia was in debt. Since the territory was overseas, it cost a lot of money to protect which they could not afford. The Russian leaders also feared they would lose to the Britain Navy if a war broke out and they would easily take Alaska. Therefore, to keep Britain out of Alaska and obtain funds it was essential to sell Alaska for $7.2 million to the U.S. -
The Social Democratic Labor Party was established at an underground conference in Minsk. There were nine delegates representing labor groups. The Party was one of the first government groups in Russian not centered around the monarchy and unlike the days of serfdom, there was a workforce to delegate. -
The Russo-Japanese War happened because of rivalry for dominance in Korea and Manchuria. Even though Japan is a small country its military was able to defeat the Russian military because of their poor naval leadership. The defeat caused Russia to abandon its expansionist policy in East Asia weakening Russia overall. -
Tsar Nicholas II is forced to accept the October Manifesto allowing for a parliament called the Duma. This legislative body allowed Russians to have a voting system (though not well established yet). This new parliament also allowed the Russian people to start to influence decisions that affected them. -
Massive strikes broke out across Russia to end the monarchy due mainly to their economic troubles from the monarchy's constant need for expansion. One of these strikes was called Bloody Sunday where 200 peaceful demonstrators were killed. In the end, the people were able to overthrow the government and put the political party, the Bolsheviks in power. -
Russian-Austrian rivalry in Balkans contributes to the outbreak of World War 1. The War helped stop anti-government sentiments from the Russian people. To preserve its status as a great power Russia joined the allies (France, Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States) and helped defeat the Germans and their allies (Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria).